A symbol of Roussillon, Rivesaltes is an exceptional fortified sweet wine that crosses decades without losing its brilliance. With their amber, tawny, or garnet robes, these wines tell the story of both the Mediterranean terroir and the history of their vintage. At Vinodelice, we have assembled a rare selection, with bottles ranging from 1936 to 2010, true witnesses of time and perfect gifts to celebrate a birth or anniversary.
Rivesaltes Appellation: Terroir and Vinification
Located in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Rivesaltes appellation flourishes on varied soils: schist, rolled pebbles, clay, and limestone. The grapes, harvested under the Mediterranean sun, benefit from exceptional ripeness.
The secret of these wines? Mutage, which consists of adding wine alcohol during fermentation to preserve the natural sugar of the grape. This is followed by sometimes very long oxidative aging, in barrels or demijohns, which gives the wine its aromas of rancio, dried fruits, honey, coffee, and spices.
Rivesaltes Colors and Their Aromatic Profiles
- Rivesaltes Ambré: made from grenache blanc, gris, or macabeu, it develops notes of honey, dried fruits, and sweet spices.
- Rivesaltes Tuilé: made mainly from grenache noir, it offers aromas of cocoa, candied fruits, coffee, and walnuts.
- Rivesaltes Grenat: younger, it expresses the purity of grenache noir, with its intense red fruits and deliciousness.
Our Rivesaltes Estates
Our collection highlights the emblematic signatures of Roussillon:
- Domaine Cazes: pioneer in biodynamics, renowned for its prestigious cuvées like Cuvée Aimé Cazes.
- Arnaud de Villeneuve: living memory of the appellation, with vintages as old as 1936.
- Domaine Singla: with its "Héritage" range, it offers Rivesaltes Ambrés of remarkable purity and length, such as the Rivesaltes Ambré 2010.
Pieces of History to Give or Treat Yourself
Offering an old Rivesaltes means offering a piece of history in a bottle. From the 1936 Arnaud de Villeneuve vintage to the 2010 Héritage from Domaine Singla, each bottle testifies to the winemakers' expertise and the magic of time. These wines are unique gifts, charged with emotion, ideal for marking a symbolic date.
Tasting Moments and Food Pairings
- As an aperitif: a Rivesaltes Ambré or Grenat brings elegance and conviviality.
- With cheese: perfect with Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert, or aged Comté.
- With desserts: dried fruit tart, chocolate fondant, or crème brûlée.
- As a digestif: enjoyed alone, it becomes a true meditation wine, with captivating aromas of rancio and spices.
Conclusion
Rivesaltes is not just a wine, it's a journey through time. Vintage after vintage, it reveals unique aromas and a depth that make it one of the most beautiful treasures of Roussillon. Discover our collection and find the bottle that will resonate with your story.
FAQ
What is a Rivesaltes? It's a fortified sweet wine from Roussillon, obtained by mutage and often aged for long periods in an oxidative environment.
What are the styles of Rivesaltes? Ambré, Tuilé, and Grenat, each with its own aromatic personality.
How long can you keep a Rivesaltes? Over a hundred years for certain vintages! It's an exceptional aging wine.
What dishes to pair with Rivesaltes? Aperitif, aged cheeses, chocolate or dried fruit desserts, but also alone as a meditation wine.
Why give an old Rivesaltes as a gift? Because it embodies a date, a memory, and a unique moment: the ideal gift for an anniversary or birth.
